Missouri 'Right to Pray' amendment stirs debate

An amendment to the Missouri constitution is under debate as voters prepare for tomorrow’s primary election.

The ballot language voters will see for Amendment 2 when they go to the polls tomorrow highlights the rights of citizens to express their religious beliefs and the rights of children to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in schools. Known as the "Right to Pray" amendment, the measure purports to protect freedom of religion.

But look beyond the ballot language, and it’s not that simple.

The amendment itself says the general assembly and other political bodies can invite clergy to pray before meetings. It also says students in schools can be exempt from activities that violate their religious beliefs. To critics, these parts of the amendment cause concern.

Kellie Kotraba from KBIA's Faith and Values desk explores what supporters and critics are saying about what the amendment could mean.